EEA Residence Card

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If you are an EEA citizen and you have been living in the UK for less than five years, you can apply for EEA Permanent Residence. If you are hoping to apply for permanent residency, you should first apply for an EEA Residence Card. These cards last for five years, after which time you can apply for the EEA PR Card.

If you have recently arrived in the UK and hope to settle down, it makes sense to secure your position by holding a document which states when you arrived. Likewise, if you are worried about the outcome of the Brexit negotiations and want a document that states you are a resident of the UK, the EEA Residence Card is ideal. The card lasts for five years, after which time it is expected that applicants will apply for EEA Permanent Residence Card.

We can help you by answering any questions you have about what an EEA Residence Card is, if you need one, or if Brexit will affect your need for one. One of our highly-qualified lawyers can assess your personal situation and advise you with the most recent changes to EEA law. He/she will also assist you with each part of your application process, consider how your nationality, status and family circumstance will affect your application. Each of our immigration lawyers has an extensive and up-to-date knowledge of immigration and EU law and will use this when guiding you. Get in touch on 0333 363 8577 or make an enquiry online to receive personal advice about your application for an EEA Residence Card now.

FAQs

Who should apply for the EEA Residence Card?

If you have recently arrived in the UK and hope to settle down, it makes sense to secure your position by holding a document which states when you arrived.

Likewise, if you are worried about the outcome of the Brexit negotiations and want a document that states you are a resident of the UK, the EEA Residence Card is ideal.

The card lasts for five years, after which time it is expected that applicants will apply for EEA Permanent Residence.

Is the EEA Residence Card a visa?

No, the EEA Residence Card refers to EEA immigration law. A visa, on the other hand, is for people who are subject to UK immigration law, such as those from outside the EEA.

You may apply for the card from inside the UK, but you do not need it in order to be able to visit, live or work in the UK. If you are from outside the EEA and do not meet the requirements of the EEA Permanent Residence in the UK, you may need to apply for another UK visa.

How will Brexit impact the EEA Residence Card?

There is currently no change to the law for EEA residents hoping to live and work in the UK. Until the rights of EU residents living in the UK have been guaranteed, some people are choosing to apply for their Residence or Permanent Residence Card.

The Home Office has not stated that this is necessary, but they have stepped up their efforts to streamline the process through the online system and the European Passport Return Service. There has been increased demand for EEA PR and Residence Cards, which suggests some people are applying for these early, in anticipation of them becoming mandatory.

At this stage, it is not mandatory to apply for a Residence Card, but we can help you with your application if you choose to do so.

How can IAS help?

Applications such as this one can seem very daunting and time-consuming; those considering applying for Residence Cards or PR Cards are often unsure of whether they are mandatory, whether they qualify or what they can be used for.

At IAS we can answer any questions you have, simplifying the EEA Residence Card application process for you, should you decide to apply.

One of our experienced immigration lawyers will:

Meet with/contact you within a day of first-contact

Walk you through your next steps and requirements

Ensure you are eligible for the Residence Card

Perform a full document check to ensure that you have sufficient evidence for your application

Consult with you in person, via phone or Skype at a suitable time

Prepare a Letter of Representation which states your case details and its merits in support of your application. This letter also references relevant UK immigration laws, regulations and cases to support your application

Liaise with the Home Office for the duration of your application

Complete your application form in full to the highest standard.

Contact us by calling 0333 363 8577 or making an enquiry online to discuss your application for an EEA Residence Card with one of our immigration lawyers.

Applying for a visa, any kind of visa is an arduous process. IAS was recommended to me by a friend… Read More

Applying for a visa, any kind of visa is an arduous process. IAS was recommended to me by a friend and I have not been disappointed. I've taken advantage of their services twice now, and I have been suitably impressed by the patience and courtesy of the advisors I had. Both made the respective visa applications so much easier and less frustrating.

Seridne M

Brilliant service and very friendly helpful staff. I have received my letter for my ceremony and it took me only… Read More

Brilliant service and very friendly helpful staff. I have received my letter for my ceremony and it took me only 5weeks. Highly recommended.

Serigne

Katherine

Excellent service! Would definitely recommend to anyone needing help with immigration issues. Our lawyer was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.